The Nigerian Army says the troops of 93 Battalion have embarked on a search and rescue mission for the personnel who are missing in action in a recent encounter with terrorists in Taraba.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the troops encountered the terrorists while responding to a distress call about an attack on the Tati community, in Takum Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday.

He said that troops fell into an ambush staged by the criminals during the pursuit, adding that the troops fought fiercely through the ambush, neutralising four of the terrorists.

According to him, six gallant soldiers sadly paid the supreme price, while one of its personnel is missing in action.

“However, a reinforcement team from 6 Brigade deployed against the fleeing bandits at Ananum village in Donga Local Government Area of the state, neutralised two additional bandits and recovered one Ak 47 rifle, one pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 2 AK 47 Magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62 mm special, 7 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and 3 motorbikes.

“Troops are currently in pursuit of the bandits and will leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing personnel.

“The good people of Taraba state are enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies,” he said. (NAN)